2024 Contender Doug Burgum Discusses Government Shutdown Fight

America most recently saw North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum on the national stage after he clinched a qualifying spot at the second Republican presidential debate on September 27th. But, the North Dakota governor received the least amount of speaking time to any of his other 6 competitors onstage, clocking in at 7 minutes and 39 seconds, according to CNN. To his credit, Burgum did try to insert himself into the conversation — multiple times.

The Republican governor interjected during Wednesday’s debate on topics involving childcare, technology and energy. At one point, he asked, “As the only person leading an energy state, can I answer the energy question?” Fox News’ Dana Perino swatted him down with an abrupt, one-word answer — “No.”

Burgum describes the presidential debates to Forbes as “political theater.” He points to his work in the private sector, paired with “cut[ting] red tape” as North Dakota’s governor, as the reasons why America should elect him to hold the nation’s highest office. When it comes to issues regarding immigration, technology and energy, “we’re actually working on the solutions now — we’re not waiting for 2024,” Burgum explains to Forbes.

Over the weekend, a government shutdown was narrowly avoided in the 11th hour after Congress passed a short term spending measure — and the bill received more Democratic support than Republican in the House. Infighting between far-right and more moderate House Republicans over spending cuts paved the way for the near shutdown. Burgum, who regards himself as a “private sector leader,” says that “it’s not helpful for our country — or for the Republican Party — if people think that we’re not able to lead.”

Tensions have been so high on the Republican side of the House that Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has publicly declared he intends to file a motion to vacate against the House Speaker. McCarthy’s response? “Bring it on.”

What does Burgum think about the Republican infighting in Congress? “The brinkmanship associated with government shutdowns is not helpful,” Burgum tells Forbes, before laying out his plan. “We just got to get back into the leadership position, show Americans the way, get inflation under control, cut the spending, and drive forward. It’s all possible and it’s all doable, but we have to have a fresh start in Washington.”

For the full conversation, click on the video above.